La Liga Match Preview: Espanyol vs. Osasuna

Espanyol made it six weeks without a win after they lost all three points to strugglers Real Valladolid on their tourney at the Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla last weekend. A 20th minute effort by Rukavina was the only goal scored in the battle, which the Periquitos were unable to equalize up to the death of time. The defeat left Javier Aguirre’s men moored in the 12th spot, capped by total earning of 41 points that is just enough to secure seeding in next season’s top-flight competition.

Espanyol’s acumen to create chances through individual skills remains intact, being aptly complemented by a rigorous set of faculties in ball stealing and aerial capabilities. They, however, lack substantial control of their ball. Their possession is among the league’s weakest and it has taken a toll on their goal scoring mechanisms. In addition, they need to immediately address weakness on defending set pieces.

Osasuna

Celta Vigo’s Nolito posed a serious threat to Osasuna’s survival hopes as the left winger delivered a brace to trounce Los Rojillos on a 2-0 defeat. Osasuna created a few chances but all of those were unsuccessfully converted. The defeat was so heartbreaking that it led them to nosedive back into the relegation zone. La Liga is two match weeks away towards its end and Javi Gracia’s men must deliver in those fixtures for them to remain in the Spanish top-tier football.

Osasuna perform best in the air, displaying maneuvers that are among the most impressive in the league. They are also good in protecting the lead, although they might need a little more help in other forms of defense. Conversion is another weakness, made worse by careless regard towards dangerous areas.